Marlene Burgmeier, 89, of East Dubuque, Illinois, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones on June 8, 2025. Born on the kitchen table in Holy Cross, Iowa, to Alphonse and Josephine (Schermer) Slowey, she was the second of five children.

Visitation will take place on Sunday, June 15, from 3–6 p.m. at Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 JFK Road, Dubuque, IA. Mass will be held at St. Raphael Cathedral on Monday, June 16, at 10:30 a.m. Burial will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery.

Marlene graduated from Immaculate Conception Academy in Dubuque in 1954 and fondly remembered dancing at the Melody Mill with friends—and the fun of figuring out a ride home, not always with the one who brought her.

On October 19, 1957, Marlene married Richard “Dick” J. Burgmeier—whom she lovingly called “Burgy”—at St. Patrick’s Church. Over their 67 years of marriage, their shared sense of humor—and tradition of goodbye and goodnight kisses—carried them through life’s joys and challenges.
Marlene loved to gather with friends and family. She delighted in potlucks, card clubs, annual wild game feeds, a country club bowling league, and her involvement in the Stonehill Auxiliary. When Burgy went to his biweekly “990” meetings at the Dubuque Shooting Society, Marlene and her sister-in-law began their own tradition—affectionately dubbed “880”—which included trips to the casino and dinner. She had a deep love for travel, whether exploring the world, boating across the Mississippi River, or road-tripping throughout the U.S.—always making time for antique shops (especially in search of Heisey glassware) and casino stops along the way.

She had a rare gift for making friends wherever she went. Whether you’d known her for a lifetime or just five minutes, people were naturally drawn to her and confided in her. Marlene listened with genuine interest and compassion—and more often than not, shared a few tears along the way.
A cherished tradition was their annual 4th of July celebration at Frentress Lake—when family gathered from near and far. Their second house across the street became a revolving door of loved ones, some staying for weeks, others for years. It was always open and welcoming, just like Marlene herself.

Marlene kept an immaculate home, and her generosity and thoughtfulness were unwavering. Whether she was sending a card to let someone know they were on her mind or finding the perfect gift to brighten someone’s day, she always gave from the heart. She also loved sharing stories from her life with anyone willing to listen.

Marlene was a devout Catholic and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and loyal friend whose kindness touched every life she encountered.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Dick; their five children; twenty-one grandchildren; one great-grandson; and two great-grandsons on the way:

Daughter Pam (Pat) McKenna, and their children: Matthew (Susan), Joe, Erin (Pablo Carabajal), Kelli (Jacob) Goldberg, and Meghan.

Son Rick (Kimberly Thurston) Burgmeier, and his and former daughter-in-law Dalene’s children: Brandon (Nicole) Cluff, Lyle Blumears, Taunarae, Kiara, and Liam.

Son Ron (Debora) Burgmeier, and their children: Jake and Jordan.

Son Brian (Annmarie) Burgmeier, and their children: Riley Jack, Bruce, and Luke.

Daughter Megan (Bob) Burgmeier Pierce, and her and former son-in-law Andy DeSollar’s children: Drew, Ben (Kelly), Tommy, ElleAnna DeSollar; and Bob’s children: Savanna Pierce, and Madeline (Kody) Moehr and great-grandson Micah.

Marlene is also survived by her siblings Allan and Karen Slowey; and in-laws Carol Dolan, Craig Cashner, and Mary Burgmeier.

She was preceded in death by her beloved son, Joseph Burgmeier; parents, Alphonse and Josephine Slowey; siblings Kenneth Slowey and Shirley Potts; and in-laws, Alphonse and Francis Burgmeier.

Marlene will be remembered for her radiant smile, contagious laughter, impeccable style, quick wit, and unwavering generosity—making everyone feel special.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to all of Marlene’s dear friends and Hospice of Dubuque for their compassionate care.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in honor of Marlene Burgmeier to Hospice of Dubuque.